Moreno, V.V., Vidal, J.B., Alemany, H.M., Salvia, A.S., Serentill, M.L., Montero, I.C., . . . Padró, J.G. (2006). Prevention of irinotecan associated diarrhea by intestinal alkalization. A pilot study in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Clinical and Translational Oncology, 8, 208–212.
Two grams of powdered NaHCO3 diluted in 250 ml water was sipped during the days of irinotecan administration, starting in the morning. Other fluids were taken ad lib.
Four of 24 patients (16%) had grade III–IV diarrhea (8 had prior pelvic radiation therapy, a risk factor associated with diarrhea). Comparison was made to incidence of grade II–IV diarrhea in previous colorectal cancer studies. The researchers’ conclusion was that intestinal alkalization may be effective in preventing diarrhea with patients with gastrointestinal cancer receiving irinotecan.